December 19, 2017
Mobile Citizen, a Voqal initiative, is joining nine other public interest organizations focused on high-quality broadband for all Americans to lead a #MobileOnly Challenge in January and ask Americans to participate. The Challenge will call attention to the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) proposal to lower broadband standards and consider an internet connection on a single mobile device the same as a “fixed” broadband connection at someone’s home.
The #MobileOnly Challenge, which will run January 1 through January 31, 2018, will have participants spend one day accessing the internet via only their mobile device — foregoing desktop devices or laptops with fixed connections — and to document their experience using the hashtag #MobileOnly. Individuals, families, and organizations can pledge to take the challenge, commit to a day in January that they will go mobile only, and learn more at MobileOnlyChallenge.com.
FCC Commissioners Mignon Clyburn and Jessica Rosenworcel have already committed to taking the #MobileOnly challenge in January and encouraged others to do the same. Commissioner Clyburn stated: “I am ready and excited to participate in the #MobileOnly challenge. Contrary to those who claim that mobile broadband services provide effective competitive pressure on fixed broadband providers, promoting deployment of mobile broadband services alone is not sufficient to bridge digital divides in underserved rural and urban communities. By standing together through this movement, we will demonstrate why it is so essential for all Americans to have access to a robust fixed broadband connection.”
“While we believe mobile internet is an important tool for addressing the digital divide, it is often not enough for many of the tasks people need the internet for. Applying for a job and doing homework is much more difficult without a computer and a high-speed internet connection,” said Mobile Citizen’s Chief Development Executive, Cassie Bair. “In addition to confirming this reality, the #MobileOnly challenge will bring to light many of the other obstacles relying solely on a mobile internet connection poses.”
Learn more about Mobile Citizen and the #MobileOnly challenge at mobilecitizen.org.